Swim in the Air Glitch

Swim in the air is a well-known glitch in the original Spyro games.

In all of the console games except Spyro the Dragon (where Spyro cannot swim), it is possible to let Spyro swim freely through the whole level, in some cases reaching a Collision Free (non-solid wall) version of the level, after swimming straight up for a long period of time, sometimes around 10 minutes. How to perform this feat varies with games and levels, but here are the most common ways to get the glitch working.

Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon

In Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon, it is possible to use this glitch in two ways, mainly:

• Requires Headbash. Reach an area not usually accessible on high ground. Glide outside the level, and headbash just under some shallow water. If done correctly, Spyro will begin to swim just underneath the water.

• Sometimes, if Spyro is zapped by Zoe when he's underwater, once he is defeated he will reappear near her, but will instantly be swimming.
• The easiest Summer Forest Swim in the air glitch method is go directly left of the Glimmer portal, and there is a pond. Position Spyro against edge of the pond with the river to the left of him, press square, and Spyro will dive into the pond, but will not go underwater, he will be "diving" against the wall. Keep doing this under Spyro "pushes" his swimming ability outside of the pond, and will be Swimming in the Air.

Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage

Summer Forest: ([1])

Idol Springs: (see video link)

Sunny Beach: Talk to the Chef, then sneak around the corner of the turtle yard to the pool on the left. If successful, you should be in the pool. Dive underwater and swim close to the wall by the turtle yard. If it works, the turtles will come and you will return to the Chef underwater.

Breeze Harbor: Go to the second fire paddle next to the step on the way in and dive into it, you will be swimming in the air. The game will freeze if you get hit, though this does not happen in the other levels.

Spyro: Year of the Dragon

Bamboo Terrace: Go to the waterfall and dive down at the edge. This may fail numerous times, but will eventually be successful.

Evening Lake: Go into Fireworks Factory, and jump onto the lava. When you jump onto it once Sparx has left, press pause when Spyro's tail looks like it touches the lava and you should feel it vibrate, indicating Spyro's death. Exit the level and swim out of the water and you should be swimming in the air.

Dino Mines: Swim to the end of the body of water and surface, but do not jump out. Zoe should be in front of you on the land. Dive down, and Zoe should zap you. Jump out of the water (Zoe will not zap you) then jump off the cliff. When you respawn, you will be swimming in the air.

Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly

In Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly, the game acts differently when the glitch is performed. Headbashing high nearby the water, yet still on the ground will sometimes cause Spyro to swim freely without even touching the water itself.

Spyro: A Hero's Tail

Spyro: A Hero's Tail is the least glitchy for swimming. In Dragonfly Falls, after wall jumping up the two stumps, Spyro can actually fall through them if placed close enough on the stump. Turn him around, dive under and Spyro can swim freely through the level.

You can swim in the air at the Coastal Remains too. Go to the place that leads to Ineptune's lair. Jump up so you're between the big shell and the tree, and above the rocks. Hold down the 'X' button so Spyro is flapping his wings. When he starts shaking, quickly charge into the wall using the 'O' button, and Spyro will be standing on a thin strip of grass. Rotate the camera so you are facing the endless blueness, and glide forward. You will notice a tunnel. That's the tunnel leading to Ineptune's lair. If you don't have all of the Dark Gems in this area, this glitch is useful because you can just fly into the tunnel and fight her.

Anyway, when you get down to the first corner of the tunnel, go off to the right, and you should float up like you're bobbing up towards the surface of water. Hold down the 'X' button until you get to the top, then, quickly, press 'O' so you start swimming. Swim up towards the island and then go around to places you normally can't reach. There is also an unused leftover in the game near Ineptune's Lair.

You can go to the Cloudy Domain with this glitch, as well. First, go to the place where you go up to the Cloudy Domain. Press triangle, and Spyro will go flying up. You will soon appear above the level. Swim down for a bit. You will now be in the Cloudy Domain.

You can also go to the Sunken Ruins. Press triangle on the pad and you will go down there, and be able to swim there, too.

External Links

• Spyro 2: Swim in the air Summer Forest
• Idol Springs
• Idol Springs (2)
• Breeze Harbor
• Sunny Beach
• Ineptune Beta Leftover